mfp: Natural Law [R2 Records]
Masaki Konagi, aka MFP first caught our attention when he appeared on Gilles Peterson’s “Brownswood Electr*c 2”. Now with his debut “Natural Law” we’re serenaded with a collection of laid back hip-hop beats and infectious synth laden grooves. MFP (Mindfullpeace) has assembled some notable collaborators to bring out the best in his compositions. The aptly titled “Your Warmth” kicks off the disc with warm and hazy synths and a catchy drum snare beat. The title track is drenched in LA funk and features Melbourne based vocalist Alien. Simon Mavin of Hiatus Kaiyote adds beautiful electronic piano melodies to “Darlin Darlin”. Other notable contributors include Sauce 81, Natalie Slade and rapper Stan Smith. Masaki becomes one with nature and delivers an organic collection where the warm vibes get inside your body and puts you in a good headspace.
Joanna Law: Rhythm Of Years [Tangential]
“Rhythm Of Years”, the new release from Joanna Law is filled with warm and soulful electronica compositions. You may be familiar with Law’s warm and languid vocals from her cover “First Time Ever” back in 1990. The Roberta Flack classic and other gems are featured here. There’s also several tracks that feature a collaboration with Pressure Drop, the Trip hop act that she worked with back in the nineties as well. “You’re Mine”, one of their collaborations starts the disc off.Law’s warm vocals are the perfect compliment to an unrelenting hypnotic groove that builds momentum over the course of play. “Song For Theo” is another winner that’s filled with sunny chords and synths layered on top of an infectious samba groove. As the title suggests, the album explores an array of rhythms and textures evolving from one composition to the next one. Add to that a number of tastyremixes and you have a gorgeous album filled with sublime recordings that you shouldn’t miss.
Voilaaa: Voiciii [Favorite Recordings]
“Voiciii” (Here It Is) is the third lp from Voilaaa and is steeped in engaging Afro Disco. “Woman Can Do” is a heart pounding dance track featuring the vocals of Ayunne Sule. “Water No Get Enemy” features Pat Kalla. It would fit nicely in the TK Disco catalog. “Manu Ecoute” is a nod to Manu Dibango’s “Soul Makossa”, filled with funky horns and infectious percussion. “Voiciii” is filled with good vibes and infectious grooves that captures the spirit of pioneers such as Fela Kuti and the aforementioned Dibango. This lp has all the ingredients that made Voilaaa famous, a pulsating soundsystem and joyful vibes. Produced by Bruno “Patchworks” Hovart who has a knack for finding talented vocalists from the around the globe.
Tamil Rogeon: Son of Nyx [Soul Bank Music ]
Violinist and composer Tamil Rogeon has built an impressive resume filled with a wide array of accomplishments. He has composed and conducted for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Austrailian National Academy of Music. He’s co-founder of the orchestral electronic band The Raah Project and has worked with acclaimed producer Harvey Sutherland. “Son Of Nyx” is his latest release and it’s a spiritual jazz gem not to be missed. Rogeon’s sublime violin melodies are puncuated by Danny Fischer’s spirited drumming on “House No Wheels”. “Bad Sandals” is filled with Rogeon’s lush melodies. The track is also highlighted by engaging percussion from Fischer and warm vocal harmonies from Rita Satch that make for a climatic finale. The disc wraps up with the ten minute plus spiritual jazz delight “Horns No Eyes”. The tune unleashes splash of riveting fender rhodes in parallel with Rogeon’s majestic phrasing of melodies. Simply a superb ending to a wonderful record. This is an early standout for a 2021 release that you need to get.
LaNote: Rebirth [Futuristica]
Avid fans of the Futuristica label may be familiar with the blissful vocals of LaNote from the Parisian soul electronica group Electric Conversation. Along with beatmaker As Valet the duo made up one half of the eclectic genre bending group. With her debut “Rebirth” LaNote takes center stage and the results are simply marvelous. Valet’s compositions are drenched in down-tempo melodic rhythms. If that wasn’t enough, several tracks also receive the remix treatment from an All-star line-up of producers such Marc Rapson, Mecca 83, DJ Spinna and more. Simon S adds his soulful jazz infused hip-hop touch to “Miracle”. The title track is blissed out down-tempo soul remixed by Nicky Lars. It’s filled with warm vocal harmonies layered with LaNote’s vocals. “Truth Be Told” is warm and hazy soulful electronica at it’s best. You’ll find it hard not to get swept away by LaNote’s low pitch airy vocals. In addition Valet’s soulful compositions make this a brilliant release that you shouldn’t miss. Just press play and let the music take you away.
Takuya Kuroda: Fly Moon Die Soon [First Word]
“Fly Moon Die Soon” is the latest lp from Trumpeter Takuya Kuroda and his first on First Word Records. The Kobe Japan native and now Brooklyn resident’s sixth full length release is more groove based than previous releases yet still navigates seamlessly between Jazz and funk. Kuroda’s approach for this recording is more raw and organic, culimating in a warm and soulful project “ABC” is feverish jazz funk with a wicked bass groove. “Moody” also brims with heat. Kuroda’s warm soloing glides along side engaging synth melodies. Kuroda also puts his stamp on two covers here. The Ohio Players “Sweet Sticky Things” receives proper justice but I really love what he does with Herbie Hancock’s “Tell Me A Bedtime Story”, injecting a dose of exuberant funk. Kuroda continues to grow with each release. In a short time he’s compiled an impressive catalogue. I wouldn’t say it’s his best but you’ll no doubt enjoy it as much as his other albums.
JD73’s Electrio: Pyramid [Atjazz]
“Pyramid” is latest release from JD73’s Electrio. Formed in 2012, JD73’s Electrio sound is steeped in Jazz fusion with sleek funk serving as the foundation. The trio is comprised of Dan “JD73” Goldman, bassist Hamlet Luton and drummer Gordon Kilroy. Goldman’s rhodes playing is short and sweet and aims straight for the soul. “Stepping Up” is filled with gorgeous rhodes from Goldman layered on top of a languid mid tempo groove. “Subsonic” is an infectious funk toe tapper amplified by Luton’s terrific bass groove. “4 On 4” gets an assist from the dancing electric violin rhythms that bob and weave around Kilroy’s sparkling drumming. Goldman and company serve up a satisfying disc that aims to please jazz fusion enthusiasts.
Pete Josef: I Rise With The Birds [Sonar Kollektiv]
Hard to believe it’s been five years since “Colours”, the debut from Bristol native Pete Josef debuted. The fact that it was such a strong debut combined with some notable side projects allowed us to enjoy his music long after the release. That wasn’t all to the extended break however. Josef felt it was necessary to step away and focus on family. The break rekindled his love for music and that renewed passion is on display here. “I Rise With The Birds” is a brillant record filled with an array of soul, pop and folk compositions. Josef sits in the production chair and surrounds himself with some of Bristol’s promiment musicians here and they rise to the task at hand. “Night Eyes” blossoms with melodic keys that stroke the heartstrings while Marie Lister’s vocals are a perfect match for Josef. “Giants” has a little bit of everything, an infectious groove, soulful horns and swirling strings. “Mainframe” is equally worthy of dance floor spins. It’s also co-written by Jazzanova’s Alex Barck. The honey toned vocalist has struck gold again with a lp worthy of repeated listens.
Dan Kye: Small Moments [Rhythm Section International]
We’re thrilled to see the return of Jordan Rakei’s alter ego, Dan Kye. With Kye it’s a return to the funky dance floor persona we couldn’t get enough of with the 2014 debut “Joy, Ease, Lightness”. With “Small Moments” he picks up where he left off and he hasn’t missed a beat. Rakei came up with these compositions during the pandemic. This thumping eight track floor burner could be the perfect boost for any anxiety you may be experiencing. The momentum building beats of “Mogen” sets the table for Rakei’s soft feathered vocals layered over warm chords. “Sober” is another winner heightened by Sheldon Agwu’s percolating guitar rhythms. Rakei’s proficiency with electronics and arrangements shines through on the instrumental banger “Focus”. The combination of deep grooves, good vibes and Rakei’s swaying falsetto will be irresistible to ignore. Quite a gap between releasesbut “Small Moments” is definitely worth the wait.
Various Artists: Blue Note Re:imagined [Decca Records]
Legendary labels Decca Records and Blue Note team up for the brilliant compilation “Blue Note Re:imagined”. A collection of some of the Uk’s young musical phenoms to provide alternate takes on some of the labels most treasured recordings. Let’s start with Ppppy Ajudha’s cover of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man”. Ajudha’s vocal and arranging skills totally transform the tune. From the ethereal wordless phrasings to combustive jazz fusion rhythms, Ajudha takes the listener to the edge of their imagination. “A Shade Of Jade” finds Nubya Garcia channeling the spirit of Joe Henderson’s “Mode For Joe”. Garcia’s arrangements swing from 60s hard bop to infectious hip-hop beats and head nodding grooves. Trumpeter Emma Jean Thackery is a rising star with multiple projects worth checking out. She transforms Wayne Shorter’s “Speak No Evil” into an uptempo jazz funk banger. Jordan Rakei’s honey toned falsetto vocals are tailor made for Donald Byrd’s timeless jazz funk gem “Wind Parade”. With sixteen tracks there’s a ton of covers to savor here and other artists you need to get to know better. The musicians here maintain the spirit of the original recordings while bringing fresh ideas to the table. Without a doubt you need this in your collection.
Potatohead People: Mellow Fantasy [Bastard Jazz]
When it comes mellow soulful hip-hop, few do it better than the duo from Vancouver known as Potatohead People, Their third lp “Mellow Fantasy” delivers with another collection of neck snapping beats enhanced by an array of up and coming rappers and vocalists on the underground circuit. “What It Feels Like” provides plenty of bounce along with a touch of jazzy rhythms. Rapper/singer Illa J and Kapok’s verses raise the track to another level. It should be no surprise of the connection between Illa J and the duo. Their signature drum style is a result of the influence Illa J’s late brother, J Dilla has had on them. The good grooves continues with “Baby Got Work”, a bumpin track that’s tailor made for Dela La Soul’s Posdnuosto jump on. “Break Even” is simply sublime thanks in part to Kendra’s Dias’s warm and soothing vocals. Everything these guys put out is worth your attention and this release is no exception.
Sly5thAve: What It Is [Tru Thoughts]
Multi-instrumentalist Sylvester Uzoma Onyejiaka, aka Sly5thAve first caught our attention with his orchestral tribute to Dr Dre entitled “The Invisible Man”. With “What It Is” he draws inspiration from BKLN1834, a residence in Brooklyn that doubles as an incubator for young talent. He took part in a number of jam sessions there among a roster of emerging artists, some of whom make their presnce felt here. There’s much to like here starting with the title track, an up-tempo tune laced with heavy beats and well placed synths. Rapper Scienze laces the track with sharp verses while Lexus closes the track with her smokey vocals. “The Night” is a slow burning tune that features his orchestral skills as well as the sultry vocals from Melissa McMillan. Singer songwriter Denitia’s feathery vocals are sprinkled on four tracks here. Among those tunes are “C-Side”, an edgy tune with a touch of electronica and pop while “With You” is a blissful finale to an impressive disc. Sly%thAve’s versatility as an arranger is evident as he delivers a genre bending release that’s definitely worth checking out.
Gerardo Frisina: Moving Ahead [Schema Records]
Schema records has become the home for infectious groove based Latin Jazz recordings and DJ/Producer Gerado Frisina is a major reason for that. “Moving Ahead”, his latest release is loaded not only with Latin Jazz but Dub, electronica and Afro Cuban rhythms. Like his previous albums, Frisina has surrounded himself with an all star lineup of superb musicians. Ermesto Lopez’s sizzling percussion is the ignition to “Marombo”, a tune originally featured on last years EP. Lopez’s percussion combined with Alfonso Deidda’s baritone sax is simply hypnotic on “Face The Music”. “Nalhl’s Son” features Haruna Kuyateh on the Kora. Frisina discovered Kuyateh, a native of Gambia by chance while walking the streets of Milan where his playing caught his attention. It will certainly catch yours too. “Moving Ahead” is an instant party starter with fourteen tracks will have you moving and groovin. It evokes images of a bygone era of crowded dance floors and live jazz bands filling a room. You’ll no doubt enjoy this album no matter how you consume it.
The Vision: The Vision [Defected]
The Vision is the brainchild of singer songwriter Ben Westbeech and DJ/Producer Kon. This was a project five years in the making. They first worked together in 2012 and a chemistry was established. We won’t hold it against them that a follow up has taken so long only because this lp is so darn good. We’re simply thrilled it actually happened. Westbeech adds his vocals to a couple of tunes here. The remaining vocal dutuies are placed in the very capable of hands of Andreya Triana. She’s simply marvellous on “Missing”, a thumping track with a wicked bass groove. Triana isn’t the only guest vocalist here. The Detroit trio known as Dames Brown demonstrate that they’re a vocal powerhouse to be reckon with as evidenced on the soul stomper “Down”. Westbeech’s vocals shine on “Time” which also includes sparkling vibes from Roy Ayers. The disc winds down with “Home”. Triana sings about the long grind of being on the road that’s coming to an end. Kon and Westbeech knock it out of the park with a wonderful lp loaded with infectious dance grooves. If this doesn’t lift your spirits, check your pulse.
Thorne Miller: House Of Dreams [Stay True Sounds]
The popularity of House Music in South Africa is unrivaled by any other country. Pretoria native Thorne Miller, one of the premier producers has made a significant contribution with a healthy catalog of quality EPs and remixes over the last five years to boost his status. “House Of Dreams”, his first full length release embodies his signature sound of stripped down deep house grooves with a distinctive emotional vibe. Look no further than the title track, a pulsating tune enhanced by the soft and airy vocals of Jamie Fallon Smith. “The Sound Of Her Voice” is soothing atmospheric house layered with electronic rhythms. “Night Moves” just oozes with melancholic vibes punctuated by a driving house groove. Chances are you’ve grooved to a Thorne Miller track before and didn’t even know it. This disc, highlighted by one superb track after another provides plenty of warmth and soulful goodness one graves in a dance track. It should also provide the accolades that Miller rightfully deserves.